SECTION IV. UWRF BRANDING REQUIREMENTS
E. Colors
STANDARDS:
1. Departments/offices should select colors from the Web-safe palette for text and background, sticking to two, three, or four colors in the design. When adding color onto the page as typed code, it is important that the color code is one of the 216 Web-safe colors.
Explanation:
The Web-safe palette is made up of the 216 colors that are used by both Macintosh computers and PCs as well as by the major browsers. Colors not from the Web-safe palette may cause the browser to “dither” or simulate the display, which can result in unsatisfactory visual results.
2. Departments/offices must ensure that use and selection of color do not negatively affect the information conveyed on a page.
- Information conveyed by color must also be available without reference to color.
For example, do not say “Select the green button.” Rather say, “Select the yes button.”
(The button is green but is also labeled “yes.”)
- The foreground and background colors must provide sufficient contrast to make the text easily readable.
- There should not be use of red text and green background, or vice versa, as the use of these two colors adjacent to each other is known to cause significant eye strain.
Explanation:
Users who cannot differentiate between colors and users of non-color or non-visual displays will not receive information conveyed by color alone. Similarly, foreground and background colors too close in hue or luminosity may not be distinguishable when viewed by color blind users or on monochrome displays. Please visit Lighthouse International’s brochure “Color Contrast and Partial Sight” for more information.
